XIIII - Tempérance

"Patience is active rather than passive, and is that by which, through which, one may judge their OWN reaction as to the attributes they have set towards that of an ideal in their individual lives; whether that attribute be: virtue, purity, hope, faith, understanding, cooperation, brotherly love, loving-kindness, or patience itself..."

Edgar Cayce reading 262-26

➠ Line 2 The spokes are taken from the wagon = it is not possible to move. 

➠ Changes to (22) Grace.

➠ You are held back from proceeding because of events beyond your control.

➠ This is a time to explore Temperance & acceptance of what I am powerless to change.

➠ Grace offers the message: if I cannot change the direction of the wind, adjust the sails and let life guide me.

26.2-26 《周易·易經》 大畜（卦二十六）

《䷙大畜》

䷙大畜:

大畜：利貞，不家食吉，利涉大川。

Under the conditions of 大畜, it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

(If its subject do not seek to) enjoy his revenues in his own family (without taking service at court), there will be good fortune. It will be advantageous for him to cross the great stream.

彖傳:

大畜，剛健篤實輝光，日新其德，剛上而尚賢。

能止健，大正也。

不家食吉，養賢也。

利涉大川，應乎天也。

In (the trigrams composing) 大畜 we have (the attributes) of the greatest strength and of substantial solidity, which emit a brilliant light; and indicate a daily renewal of his virtue (by the subject of it). The strong line is in the highest place, and suggests the value set on talents and virtue; there is power (in the upper trigram) to keep the strongest in restraint: - all this shows 'the great correctness' (required in the hexagram). 'The good fortune attached to the subject's not seeking to enjoy his revenues in his own family' shows how talents and virtue are nourished. 'It will be advantageous to cross the great stream:' - (the fifth line, representing the ruler,) is responded to by (the second, the central line of Qian, representing) Heaven.

象傳:

天在山中，大畜；君子以多識前言往行，以畜其德。

(The trigram representing) a mountain, and in the midst of it that (representing) heaven, form 大畜. The superior man, in accordance with this, stores largely in his memory the words and deeds of former men, to subserve the accumulation of his virtue.

䷙大畜:

九二：輿說輹。

The second NINE, undivided, shows a carriage with the strap under it removed.

象傳:

輿說輹，中无尤也。

'(He is as) a carriage from which the strap under it has been removed:' - being in the central position, he will incur no blame.

➠ Changes to (22) Grace

䷕賁:

賁：亨。小利有攸往。

賁 indicates that there should be a free course (in what it denotes). There will be little advantage (however) if it is allowed to advance (and take the lead)

《道德經 - 第三十三章》

知人者智，自知者明。

勝人者有力，自勝者強。

知足者富。強行者有志。

不失其所者久。

死而不亡者壽。

(Discriminating between attributes)

He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent.

He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty.

He who is satisfied with his lot is rich; he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will.
He who does not fail in the requirements of his position continues long;

he who dies and yet does not perish has longevity.

33

To know others is to be clever;
To know oneself is to be enlightened.
He who conquers others has strength,
But he who conquers himself has strength and courage indeed.
To know when one has enough is to be rich.
He who pursues a course with energy may attain his goal;
But to remain in one's proper place is to endure;
And he who dies yet does not cease to be
Achieves the blessing of true longevity.

What's the Point?: Liver 3 & Large Intestine 4

The logic behind choosing points varies. Certain acupuncture styles recommend points for unique reasons. Even within the same style, many points have more than one indication. Some points can substitute for others in cases where, for example, a needle-sensitive person prefers being stuck elsewhere. Other points can be left out or added based on the overall combination.

Recognizing that there are variations and exceptions, certain acupuncture points are used with a relative amount of uniformity. Across styles, they are known to be especially powerful in their effects. As a result, acupuncturists use them a lot; like Liver 3 & Large Intestine 4, two points popular in their own right & also frequently needled together in a combination called Four Gates.

Liver 3 Gets Things Moving

Liver 3—also known as 太沖 (taì chōng), Great Rushing (English translation) and LV3 (acupunk lingo)—is located on the foot, between the first and second toes.

Liver 3 is what is known as a source point. Every meridian has one. Source points behave sort of like central stations on subway lines. They are hubs where internal and external energies gather and transform. They are single, high-concentration points that grant access to the larger system.

Because Liver 3 has such far-reaching effects, it is indicated for a very wide variety of conditions. John Pirog, in The Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture, says 太沖 Liver 3 is “probably the most important point for the stagnation of the inner body.”

Liver 3 is used for menstrual cramps, headaches, vision problems, coastal-region pain and shortness of breath, low back pain, insomnia, and more. The list truly goes on and on. Feeling stuck? Hello, Liver 3. This point gets things moving.

Liver 3′s extensive effects are palpable. Needling it usually causes a strong achy sensation, either locally at the site of insertion, throughout the entire foot, or sometimes even up into the leg along the Liver meridian.

In having treatment by acupuncture, Liver 3 is considered inevitable.

Large Intestine 4 Is a Great Bang for Own's Buck

Large Intestine 4—also known as 合谷 (hé gǔ), Joining Valley (English Translation) and LI4 (acupunk lingo)—is located on the hand, in the web between the thumb and index finger.

Large Intestine 4, like Liver 3, is really a fantastic bang for own's buck. Its location, between the first and second fingers, is basically the upper-body version of Liver 3, which is located between the first and second “fingers” on the lower body.

Large Intestine 4 is a source point as well. It is indicated for a wide variety of conditions and also tends to cause a strong needling sensation.

Probably the best-known use of Large Intestine 4 is to release the exterior. This refers to treating what are known as (the) Wind conditions—chills and fever, runny nose, headaches, stiff upper back and neck, too much or too little sweating, sore throat, fever, dizziness, etc. Large Intestine 4 is the go-to point for these types of symptoms. It is thought to disperse the Wind and also bolster the body’s defences against recurrence.

Other common indications for Large Intestine 4 include toothache, sinusitis, rhinitis, nosebleeds, Bell’s Palsy, and headaches. This is because the Large Intestine meridian travels up to the face, so almost any symptom related to that region calls for the point.

In addition to these common uses, Large Intestine 4 is used in treatments for everything from constipation to skin disease to low back pain.

Note: Large Intestine 4 is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Four Acupuncture Points Are Better Than One

Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4 are often used together. Each point is done on both sides of the body, creating a four-point combination known as Four Gates. This is one of the most frequently used point combinations in all of the acupuncture.

There are many theories associated with Four Gates but the prevailing idea is that the combination opens up circulation throughout the entire body. Liver 3 handles the lower half while Large Intestine 4 addresses the upper. Together, they pack a powerful punch.

Four Gates usually tackles symptoms caused by stagnation. This includes pain as well as menstrual irregularities, constipation, or feelings of frustration—basically anything that suggests things aren’t flowing as smoothly as they should be.

The hand point is called Large Intestine 4 and is located on top of the hand between the thumb and index finger. The other point is Liver 3, located on top of the foot between the big toe and the second toe.

LI-4 合谷 He Gu, Junction Valley, hé gǔ or Large Intestine 4 (LI4) is used to boost the immune system and help with the pain. It is often used for colds, infections, or any immune system responses. This point is an adaptogenic point, allowing the body to balance itself based on the condition, whether it be an overactive immune system or underactive immune system, or overactive digestive system or underactive digestive system, etc. This point also can help with headaches, jaw pain, toothaches, and general inflammation. Definitely a point we can all use!

The combination point used with LI4 is Liver 3 (Lv3)

Liv-3 太沖 Taichong, taì chōng, Supreme Rush or Liver 3 is a point used to keep things moving and circulating. In Chinese medicine, the liver energy is known for getting “stuck” and creating a myriad of health complaints such as depression, anger, frustration, irritability, PMS, menstrual issues, and headaches, etc. This point helps unblock “stuck” liver energy and is valued for its calming effect on the nervous system.

Large Intestine 4 and Liver 3 are super points when used together to keep us free-flowing. These points are great starting points for a little relaxation, immune support, and balance.

大畜（卦二十六 ― Macrocosmos/Controlled Power)

Action: Amplify

Hu Gua (hidden influence) 54: Propriety: Subordinate

Zong Gua (underlying cause) 45: Gathering Together: Network

Your vital force is not wanting, only waiting for you to tap it.

We are told not to cross the bridge until we come to it,

but this world is owned by those who crossed bridges

in their imaginations far ahead of the crowd. – Anonymous

Reading at a Glance: True power need not be demonstrated as Creative energy is restrained beneath the mountain of Keeping Still. Ta Ch’u focuses on the power of silence and stillness. While others are running around demonstrating their power, one who is strong has no need to prove anything. Controlled Power has Propriety as its hidden influence because a will under the sheer steadiness of a mountain allows it to become incredibly powerful. There is also a need for timing in an appropriate expression. Another’s insecurity is no match for the power of silence. Since Controlled Power follows Innocence, all that is learned from patience and non-action is now ready to be harnessed creatively. When the will is in the service of acceptance and the good of all this deliberate intent is unstoppable. The message we deliver is amplified because our inner truth radiates as the embodiment of Tao. Combining holding firm, holding steady, holding to heaven’s way and nurturing others, this is the hexagram of the true Sage. When water meets a dam, it continues to rise in power until it overwhelms whatever blocked its flow. If you renew your willingness to marry to your Tao daily, you become a reservoir for enormous creative expression that benefits all. You can draw on a power that need not be demonstrated but is ‘just so.’ Its simplicity makes everything easy.

Becoming the master of my response.

“When innocence is present, it is possible to tame.” Innocence cultivates virtue, yet virtue, renewed daily, ensures a state of innocence. The master said: "The perfected nature, sustaining itself and enduring is the gateway of life." An innocent perspective allows you to approach the gateway or threshold of perception to become “the master of your experiences.” By taming your response, you are able to tame experience. Controlled Power is the hexagram of the true Sage.

"The firm is able to keep strength still; this is great correctness." Much time is spent preparing for and delivering your response. Only when you are not defending, do you activate the Controlled Power of the Great.

You can change what the “world will look and feel like,” by approaching it differently. "Acquaint yourself with the teachings of antiquity" and you will see how desire can both, draw in experience or close you to it. Approaching the gateway of perception, you make the choice of what you will find.

The master said: “Do not listen with your ears but listen with your mind. Do not listen with your mind, but listen with your vital force. Ordinary hearing does not go beyond the ears and the mind does not go beyond its symbols. Your vital force is not wanting but waiting. Life brings together all that is void to itself. Be empty ~ that is all. Thus you can master things and not be injured by them.”

When you tame your desires, “not eating at home brings good fortune,” because you move beyond your perceptual routines to be nourished by discovery. Gather the energy of desire’s outward attachment, and tap it as the inner fuel that activates a powerful peacefulness. Stand at the threshold, connect with your Te or vital force and simply observe. Find comfort in your strength.

In China, the lion protected the forests, and its likeness was used to protect the gates and temples. Another gatekeeper, the Dragon Carp, had only one goal: crossing the Dragon Gate. Beyond this Gate, many believed paradise could be found. Like the salmon, the carp swims upstream and jumps the rapids, and came to symbolize human advancement and achievement in life. The Dragon Carp is a constant reminder of the pursuit of excellence, reflecting on how following instinct makes obstacles non-existent. Where the lion symbolizes great passion and fearlessness, the carp is a symbol of instinctual perseverance. This is your Te, the instinctual awareness that knows exactly where you need to be: in the here and now and it is perfect.

Transforming the illusion of how you must conquer and take, you can develop the powerful peacefulness that comes when you no longer see the world as a place of obstacles. Just as the tree requires the storms for regeneration, and the stone carves away the seed’s protective covering; like the creatures that feel the cold as a call for hibernation and migration, or the plant that instinctively knows the time to flower, you too, are fundamentally connected to the evolutionary force of life.

Te is your instinctual endowment and connection to life. When cultivated alongside fearlessness, it is like water that finds its own course, without any sense of barriers. Water can dissolve mountains and evens out, regardless of where it flows. The power of Te connects you to the germinating power of life. Transcending the gate or ‘the illusion of obstacles’ leads to a type of paradise in consciousness. This paradise is simply a place without boundaries.

Life’s secret is that it has been committed to your success since the beginning. “Mystery upon mystery: the gateway of its manifold secrets.” To take no action that is unnatural to your instinctive nature ensures that you will meet with no resistance. "Overcoming others shows force; when you overcome yourself you are strong."

“Generating movement even in the hardest things is how the great is tamed. Creating movement even in the greatest things is what makes Tao mysteriously powerful. The most submissive thing in the world can ride roughshod over the hardest in the world – that which is without substance enters that which has no crevices.” Beyond the constant disillusionment that results from trying to be who you are not, there are no crevices or valleys. This is the essence of Controlled Power.